Charles Zebroski

In the early morning of August 8^th, 2018, devoted husband, father and grandfather, Charles Zebroski, age 75, passed away at Fairview Manor surrounded by friends and family. He will be sorely missed.

Born in East Quogue, Long Island on January 15^th, 1943 to John and Ruth (Nee Nicholson), Charles lived his life celebrating and sharing his love of music.  Building on his early fascination with the clarinet, Charles earned a BA in Music from Mansfield University and his MA in Music from Edinboro University.  Using his expertise and enthusiasm, he began teaching at General McLane and taught for 28 years in the Erie School district in a variety of roles.  Known as Mr. Z, Charles also taught instrumental music and general music at Roosevelt, Strong Vincent and Harding schools.  In addition, he served as the Director of Music, teaching ensembles theory and history at the School of the Performing and Visual Arts. 

Married in 1965 to Elizabeth (Nee Jones), Charles was a loving husband and father who placed his family above all other concerns.  The strength of the bond between Charles and his wife was apparent to all. Blessed with two daughters, Kristen Zebroski of Hartford, CT and Jennifer (Nee Zebroski) Enke of Alfred Station, NY, Charles created an atmosphere of love, understanding and imagination within the home. 

Charles touched all with his kindness and excelled at bringing disparate groups together to forge creative projects.  Talented and generous, he served as a guest conductor, composer, music consultant, and integrated arts specialist throughout the tri-state area.  Charles played in the Erie Philharmonic and was the first conductor of the Erie Civic Orchestra, as well as director and conductor of the Erie Jr. Philharmonic.  Bridging his faith with his interests, he also served as the Minster of Music at First Baptist Church and at Lakewood Methodist Church.  More recently, he was the Music Director of LECOM Life Works, bringing instrumental music to adults.

Charles took joy in the creative triumphs of his students, family and peers.  Using his training from the NY Metropolitan Opera, he was proud of creating original operas with the Harding students and staff, and of the many successes of his private lesson students. Furthermore, Charles tirelessly supported his children’s and grandchildren’s musical and performance pursuits and championed the performing arts.

A gentle, caring man Charles loved reading, art and painting. Preferring to be by the water or gardening, he loved to be outside enjoying the natural environment and taking pleasure in the little things.

In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his sister, Diane Armstrong.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Charles is survived by his brother-in-law, Dana Armstrong of Ventura, CA, his son-in-law, Evan Enke and three beloved grandchildren Emelia, Eagan and Ellora.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 W. 10^th St., Erie, on Friday, August 10, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and are invited to a funeral service on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. 7th Street, Erie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie Jr. Philharmonic; 23 West 10th Street, Suite 3
Erie, PA 16501.